‘People at the heart of quality palliative care.’ The theme and central focus of Palliative Care week 2024, aiming to put palliative care in the forefront of Queenslanders consciousness. Death can be confronting and it’s why many of us find it difficult to talk about. But what can death teach us about life?
“I was buoyed that this question served as a conversation starter throughout the many events and forums in Queensland.” Says Louise O’Neill, CEO Palliative Care Queensland.
“The more conversations we have about death, the more we recognise that each part – spiritual care, psychological support, clinical services and social, physical and community support – all play an important role ensuring that we can live the life we choose for as long and comfortably as possible.”
The orange heart was at the centre of the campaign, across Queensland and Australia, representing care, connection and warmth, linking the bond between people working in Palliative Care and those living with a life limiting illness.
Support those who support Queenslanders with a life limiting illness: Buy an Orange Heart.
PCQ hosted and attended a number of local events including:
Light up Queensland
Iconic structures were lit up in orange to support Palliative Care in Queensland.
Government House
Palliative Care Queensland’s board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders were honoured to attend a special National Palliative Care Week afternoon tea hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr. Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland at Government House on Monday 20 of May.
In recognition of National Palliative Care Week 2024, Government House was beautifully illuminated in orange on the night of our gathering.
Princess Alexandra Mega Wish
Palliative Care Queensland and the Metro South Palliative Care Team hosted the first ‘Mega’ Ambulance Wish for patients, families and staff, in the Atrium of the Princess Alexandra Hospital. A petting zoo, live music by Nic Jayd and delicious food were some of the highlights of the beautiful afternoon. Patients in palliative care within the hospital, their families and loved ones created memories forever during National Palliative Care Week 2024.
A big thankyou to the Metro South Palliative Care Team for collaborating with PCQ & AWQ for this beautiful wish.
SPaRTa Planning Day
An insightful event and, from it, a wealth of understanding for the PCQ team. Robust discussions on the needs and developments in the hubs as well as the improvement opportunities to support people experiencing life-limiting conditions, death, dying and grief and their families in regional, rural and remote areas were tabled.
Our staff heard from the dedicated individuals at the heart of quality Palliative Care, the health professionals working with SPaRTa and other palliative care services, who go above and beyond to support people and families when they need it the most, in some of our most vulnerable populations.
Queensland Palliative Care Clinical Network (QPCCN) Forum
The forum provided an opportunity for the palliative care sector to share their accomplishments from the past year and address advocacy issues with the palliative care sector.
PCQ presented an overview of our organisation, highlighted our achievements and successes to date, and shared our plans for the upcoming year. This year’s forum theme, “Looking Forward,” featured insights from various sector professionals, including the Specialist Palliative in Aged Care (SPACE) project team and A/Prof Anthony Herbert, Director of the Paediatric Palliative Care Service at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
King George Square
The PCQ team hosted an awareness event in King George Square, focusing on death, dying, and having those difficult conversations. Our signature program, Ambulance Wish Queensland, was showcased alongside the Ambulance Wish ambulance, stationed at the entry to the square and highlighting the purpose of the program. Also on display was a ‘Before I die’ frame, where the community posted thoughts on what they hope to achieve in their lives.
Attendees engaged with our staff, shared their personal experiences, and dispelled misconceptions about death. An excellent conversation starter, this pop up event encouraged people to plan for their future and highlighted the importance of palliative and end-of-life care within our communities.
Ambulance Wish Gala Dinner
National Palliative Care week ended with the Ambulance Wish Gala Dinner. More than 240 guests gathered at the Hilton Ballroom in Brisbane on Saturday 25th of May!
We heard from special guests, celebrated our community fundraisers and volunteers, raised much needed funds for the continued expansion and growth of our program and remembered those who are no longer with us.
Read more about the night.
PCQ would like to thank the palliative care services, staff, volunteers and families who got involved, hosted events, and lent their support to National Palliative Care Week in 2024. Without our clinicians, volunteers, community, people receiving palliative care and their friends, families and carers, we wouldn’t have traversed these 38 years in Queensland.
